Types of Travel: Explore Different Travel Types

This is a great way to be introduced to a new country. You'll have a tour guide who's familiar with American-specific names for objects and places (yes, everyone in Ireland and the U.K. speaks English, but the accents aren't always easy to understand, and they definitely have their own terminology and slang for different objects, places, ideas, etc.).

Your luggage is handled for you, frequent bathroom stops are made (usually no more than 2 hours between stops), and the entire itinerary is planned for you. All you have to do is show up and get on the bus at whatever time the tour guide tells you.

These travel tours are most often the easiest in terms of activity level and don't require tons of walking, making them a great alternative to self-drive tours.

Easy peasy, and you don't have to drive yourself!

If you're not keen on the idea of spending time with 52 of your closest friends on a big tour bus, consider signing up for a small group travel tour. Most of these tours are limited to 15-35 people, depending on the company, making them a great option for those who prefer a more personal experience. 

If you're seeking a guided travel experience that's more intimate, then a small-group tour is ideal for you. For those interested in organizing a bespoke (customized) tour for family or friends, a small-group tour is also applicable. Just keep in mind that most companies require a minimum of 15 people to book a custom tour. 

It's important to note that small group tours can often come with a higher price tag compared to regular bus tours, but this generally reflects the more tailored experience they provide.

Think you'll be comfortable driving on the left side of the road while sitting on the right side of the car? Why not consider self-drive tours for your adventure? 

Most automobiles in Europe are standard (stick-shift), but you can usually upgrade to an automatic for your convenience. 

Choosing to drive yourself gives you incredible freedom, allowing you to decide when to leave your hotel or B&B each morning and how long to stay at each attraction, restaurant, or shopping center. This flexibility is especially beneficial when navigating country roads and venturing off the beaten path. 

I can assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary for your self-drive tour, ensuring you have ample time to reach your next destination. 

Just a heads up—winding roads can lead to longer car trips and might increase motion sickness, so be prepared.

Don't want to spend your days on a bus or driving yourself around while still wanting to explore the country? Opt for a cruise instead! 

Typically, you'll fly in the day before the cruise begins, as the boat waits for no one, and you'll need to board the ship at a specific time.

Once you're on board, you won’t have to unpack and repack during your journey like you would with some self-drive or bus tours. Instead, you can enjoy the freedom of moving around the ship while soaking in the beautiful views of the shoreline and countryside from the deck.

Both seafaring and river cruises provide a unique travel experience, making daily stops throughout most of the trip so passengers can disembark and join guided tours in different regions of the country.

The train is a fabulous way to see the countryside with unobstructed views, especially if the other travel types, like self-drive tours, don’t appeal to you. 

The rail system in Ireland and the UK is quite developed and will take you just about anywhere you want to go during your travels. 

You can choose to use the train to explore the country, staying in each destination for a few days, or you can head to one specific location, enjoy your stay there, and then take the train back to your point of origin for departure. 

Train-based adventures typically work better for small group and solo travel.

Walking or hiking tours can be enjoyed in many different ways. Some travel tours, like bus tours, include walking or hiking in their pre-planned itineraries and are labeled as higher-activity. Additionally, some cruise companies may offer a hiking excursion while the ship is docked at port for the day. It is more common for self-drive tours or small group tours to provide numerous walking and hiking opportunities.